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How to pay for drinks on a Avalon Waterways?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 9 October 2025
  • 8 min read

How to pay for drinks on a Avalon Waterways?

One of the most common questions among Avalon Waterways travelers is: How do I pay for drinks on the ship? Whether you’re a first-time river cruiser or a seasoned traveler, understanding the payment process is essential to enjoy your journey stress-free.

Avalon Waterways, known for its boutique-style river ships, scenic itineraries, and semi-inclusive approach, provides multiple ways for guests to access beverages onboard. Guests can enjoy complimentary drinks with meals, upgrade to a beverage package, or order à la carte.

In this comprehensive 3,000-word guide, we’ll explore:

  • Payment options for drinks onboard

  • How the beverage package works financially

  • À la carte drink pricing

  • Tips for cashless payments

  • Policies and best practices to ensure a smooth experience

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to pay for drinks on Avalon Waterways and maximize both convenience and value during your cruise.

1. Avalon Waterways’ Beverage Policy Overview

Avalon Waterways adopts a semi-inclusive beverage model, meaning:

  • Many drinks are included with meals (wine, beer, soft drinks).

  • Specialty drinks, cocktails, and drinks outside mealtimes require either the beverage package or payment on a per-drink basis.

  • Guests can enjoy non-alcoholic beverages like coffee, tea, and bottled water throughout the day without additional cost.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it impacts how you will pay for drinks during your cruise.

2. Payment Options Without a Beverage Package

If you do not purchase a beverage package, you’ll pay for drinks individually. Avalon offers several convenient methods for onboard purchases:

A. Cruise Card System

  • Upon embarkation, every guest receives a personal cruise card linked to their stateroom.

  • Drinks are charged directly to this card.

  • At the end of your cruise, the total is settled with your preferred payment method (credit card or debit).

B. Cash Payment

  • Some ships accept cash (USD or local currency depending on itinerary).

  • Not all locations onboard may accept cash, so the cruise card is preferred.

C. Credit or Debit Card

  • You can link a card to your cruise account to pay as you go.

  • Cards are also required for incidentals, so it’s often most convenient to use the cruise card system.

Tip: The cruise card simplifies transactions and ensures you don’t have to carry cash onboard.

3. Payment Options With the Beverage Package

Purchasing a beverage package changes the payment dynamic:

  • The package is prepaid or charged to your stateroom account.

  • Once purchased, drinks included in the package are free at the point of service.

  • You only pay extra for excluded items, such as ultra-premium spirits or minibar items.

Purchase Timing

  1. Before the cruise – through Avalon’s website or travel agent.

  2. Onboard – at reception or the bar lounge (if available).

Pre-purchase often guarantees the best price and allows you to enjoy drinks immediately without additional charges.

4. Understanding the Cruise Card System

Avalon Waterways’ cruise card is central to onboard transactions:

How It Works

  • Linked to your stateroom account.

  • Used to pay for drinks, spa services, excursions, and other incidentals.

  • Swipe or present the card at the bar or lounge to charge drinks.

  • Guests settle the account at the end of the cruise.

Advantages

  • Cashless convenience.

  • Tracks your spending in real time.

  • Reduces risk of lost cash or multiple transactions.

5. À La Carte Drink Pricing

For guests paying per drink rather than using a beverage package, here’s a general 2025 pricing guide:

Drink TypeAverage Price (USD)

Glass of wine$8–$10

Beer$5–$7

Cocktail$8–$12

Spirits$6–$10

Soft drinks$2–$3

Specialty coffeeComplimentary with meals, $3–$5 otherwise

Knowing typical prices helps you estimate how much to budget for the duration of your cruise.

6. Beverage Package Pricing Overview

For context, the beverage package is typically:

RegionCost per Person, per Day (USD)

Europe (Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro)$30

Asia (Mekong, Ganges)$25

South America (Amazon, Galápagos)$30–$35

  • Both guests in a stateroom must purchase the package if one does.

  • Drinks included in the package are charged upfront; no additional payment is needed at the bar.

7. How to Settle Your Bill

Without Beverage Package

  1. Drinks are charged to your cruise card.

  2. At the end of the cruise, you receive a detailed statement.

  3. Settle using credit card, debit card, or cash.

With Beverage Package

  1. Package cost may be prepaid or charged to your account.

  2. Drinks within the package are free at the point of service.

  3. Only additional items (premium spirits, minibar, etc.) are billed.

Tip: Always check your daily account online or via the ship’s app to track your spending.

8. Specialty Drinks and Extra Charges

Even with a beverage package, certain items may incur extra charges:

  • Premium spirits (top-shelf whiskey, vodka, etc.)

  • Champagne by the bottle

  • Mini-bar items

  • Special event tastings (if not included)

These are typically rare and optional, but it’s wise to confirm prices before ordering.

9. Regional Currency Considerations

Avalon cruises operate in multiple regions, so it’s important to understand currency:

  • Most European itineraries accept USD, Euros, or credit cards.

  • Asian and South American cruises may charge local currency equivalents.

  • The cruise card system automatically handles currency conversion for a smooth experience.

10. Prepaid vs Onboard Purchase

Prepaid Purchase

  • Advantages: Locks in current rates, allows immediate access.

  • Disadvantages: Commitment required before seeing what drinks you’ll consume.

Onboard Purchase

  • Advantages: Flexibility to decide based on personal consumption.

  • Disadvantages: Potential for higher rates, delayed activation of the package.

Recommendation: For longer cruises or moderate/heavy drinkers, pre-purchase is often the better value.

11. How to Pay for Drinks on Excursions

Some Avalon excursions include drinks. Here’s how payment works:

  • Included in the package if it’s part of the cruise itinerary.

  • If not included, charges are added to your cruise card or paid cash.

  • Always confirm with the excursion guide to avoid unexpected costs.

12. Tips for Seamless Payment Experience

  1. Use the cruise card: It simplifies transactions and tracks your spending.

  2. Check the daily tab: Ensure accuracy of charges.

  3. Pre-purchase the beverage package: Saves money and avoids repeated transactions.

  4. Ask about exclusions: Know what is not covered in the package.

  5. Budget in advance: Estimate daily drink consumption to make an informed decision.

  6. Carry minimal cash: Most transactions are handled electronically.

13. Handling Special Requests

Avalon Waterways staff is trained to accommodate requests like:

  • Mocktails or non-standard coffee drinks.

  • Multiple drink orders (one at a time due to responsible service).

  • Regional specialty drinks not listed on standard menus.

Payment Method: Charges are applied to your cruise card or included in the beverage package.

14. Payment for Private Events

Private events (birthday celebrations, anniversary parties, etc.) may include drinks:

  • Confirm in advance if drinks are included in the package.

  • If paying à la carte, all charges are billed to the host’s cruise account.

  • Cruise card system simplifies event billing.

15. Alcohol Policy and Responsible Service

Avalon enforces responsible alcohol consumption:

  • Drinks may be refused to visibly intoxicated guests.

  • One drink per person per order policy ensures safe enjoyment.

  • Beverage package still adheres to these rules; “unlimited” doesn’t mean excessive.

16. Payment Tips for First-Time Travelers

  • Link a credit card to your cruise card immediately.

  • Track your daily drink spending through the ship’s system.

  • Pre-purchase beverage packages if you plan multiple drinks per day.

  • Review your account statement before disembarkation.

These steps prevent surprises and allow you to enjoy your cruise without worry.

17. Comparison With Other Cruise Lines

Avalon Waterways vs. other river cruises:

Cruise LineBeverage PolicyPayment MethodNotes

Avalon WaterwaysSemi-inclusive + optional packageCruise card / prepaidFlexible and convenient

Viking River CruisesDrinks included + optional Silver SpiritsCruise cardSimilar structure

AmaWaterwaysWine/beer included at mealsCruise cardLimited options outside meals

UniworldFully inclusiveIncluded in fareNo separate payment required

Avalon’s cruise card system and optional package provide one of the most flexible and transparent payment methods in river cruising.

18. Summary of Payment Methods

With Beverage Package:

  • Prepaid or charged to stateroom.

  • Included drinks are free at point of service.

  • Only excluded items incur extra charges.

Without Beverage Package:

  • Charge drinks to your cruise card.

  • Cash and credit card options available.

  • End-of-cruise settlement required.

Tip: Cruise card is recommended for all transactions, even if paying cash is possible.

19. Final Recommendations

  • Pre-purchase the beverage package if you drink more than 4–5 beverages daily.

  • Use your cruise card to pay for drinks, excursions, and incidentals.

  • Track spending daily for transparency.

  • Confirm exclusions to avoid unexpected charges.

  • Enjoy responsibly — Avalon monitors consumption for safety.

By understanding how payment works, you can maximize enjoyment, convenience, and value during your Avalon Waterways cruise.

Cruise card system

Paying for drinks on Avalon Waterways is straightforward thanks to the cruise card system and flexible beverage package options. Whether you choose à la carte pricing or an unlimited package, understanding how transactions work ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience.

The drink package provides convenience, savings, and freedom, while the cruise card enables cashless transactions throughout your journey. For first-time and experienced travelers alike, knowing how to pay for drinks allows you to fully relax and focus on the scenic views, cultural experiences, and luxury comfort that Avalon Waterways delivers.By planning ahead, tracking charges, and deciding

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